The government intends to begin the $4 billion scheme in July, pending the passage of legislation in federal parliament.

It will offer a payout of up to $150,000, a direct personal response from the institution where the abuse occurred, as well as access to counselling for survivors.

“We owe it to the survivors for their courage in telling stories they have been too afraid to speak of, often for decades,” Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said.

“Now that those stories have been told, now that they are on the record, we must do everything within our power to honour those stories and to act and to make sure that this national tragedy is never repeated.”

The federal government will need to convince other states to cede some powers to the Commonwealth so they can join the scheme.

South Australia had initially opposed the scheme but Premier Jay Weatherill has expressed his in-principle support for it during the state’s election campaign.

Tasmania, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia already have state redress schemes which have varying eligibility requirements and compensation. They have each promised to consider the scheme but none have committed to joining it.

The Royal Commission estimated 60,000 Australians were abused in churches, schools, sporting clubs and health services - and could access the scheme.